The Science Behind Spravato: How Esketamine Treats Depression Differently

At Goodwin Health Café, we believe in embracing every safe, research-backed option available for those facing hard-to-treat depression. When traditional antidepressants haven’t helped, or if symptoms persist after multiple attempts at medication, it can feel like you’re out of options. That’s where Spravato comes in—offering something many treatments don’t: a new approach.

Spravato treatment for depression isn’t just a different brand—it’s a different path. Let’s explore what makes it unique, how it affects the brain, and why it’s bringing relief to people who’ve felt stuck for far too long.

What Is Spravato?

Spravato is the brand name for esketamine, a compound closely related to ketamine, which has been used in medical settings for decades. Unlike traditional antidepressants that typically focus on serotonin or norepinephrine, esketamine targets the brain’s glutamate system—a completely different network of communication in the brain.

It’s FDA-approved for adults with treatment-resistant depression, which means people who have tried other medications without success. Rather than replacing traditional therapy or medication, Spravato is used in combination with an oral antidepressant, offering a layered approach to healing.

How It Works: A New Route in the Brain

Most antidepressants operate by boosting levels of serotonin, a chemical involved in regulating mood. But these changes happen slowly. It can take weeks—or even months—for people to feel a difference, if they feel one at all.

Spravato works differently. It targets NMDA receptors in the brain, part of the glutamate system. Glutamate is the most abundant excitatory neurotransmitter, involved in everything from mood to memory. By acting on these receptors, esketamine can help “reboot” certain patterns in the brain that have become stuck due to chronic depression.

Instead of altering mood by increasing a single chemical, Spravato promotes neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to adapt and form new, healthier connections. That means the brain can start to respond to stress, emotions, and therapy in more flexible, effective ways.

Some researchers compare it to clearing away debris from a path so new growth can emerge. This is especially helpful for individuals who have felt mentally and emotionally “stuck,” despite trying multiple medications.

Who It’s For: When Other Treatments Haven’t Worked

Spravato is not typically a first-line treatment. It’s meant for people with treatment-resistant depression—those who’ve tried at least two antidepressants without meaningful improvement.

It may be considered when:

• Depression symptoms have persisted for years

• Daily functioning is significantly impaired

• Other options have been exhausted without lasting results

Spravato is part of a broader mental health care plan, not a stand-alone fix. At Goodwin Health Café, we use this treatment to support other efforts like therapy, lifestyle shifts, and collaborative care.

The Treatment Experience: Supervised, Supportive, Safe

One of the unique aspects of Spravato is that it’s administered in a clinical setting. Because of how esketamine affects the brain—sometimes causing feelings of dissociation, fatigue, or dizziness—patients receive the medication under medical supervision.

You won’t take it home or use it daily like a traditional pill. Instead, Spravato is given at scheduled intervals at a certified treatment center, including ours here in Spokane. The setting is calm, quiet, and closely monitored by trained staff who ensure each session is as comfortable and safe as possible.

Everyone responds to the treatment a bit differently. Some people report a shift in perspective after just a few sessions—others notice gradual improvements in mood, clarity, or motivation over time.

Why It Matters: A New Avenue for Hope

Depression doesn’t look the same for everyone, and neither should treatment. For too long, the approach to mental health care has relied heavily on trial and error with serotonin-based medications. While these work well for many, millions of people have been left without lasting relief.

Spravato represents a major shift in depression treatment—one backed by real science, real patient outcomes, and growing clinical support. It’s not a miracle cure, but for many, it’s a powerful next step.

If your current treatment hasn’t brought you the relief you need, it might be time to explore what Spravato could offer—especially when delivered by a compassionate, science-informed team like ours.

Explore Advanced Care at Goodwin Health Café

At Goodwin Health Café, we’re proud to offer Spravato treatment for depression as part of our commitment to whole-person care. If you’re in Spokane or the surrounding area, we invite you to connect with our team and see if this treatment is right for you.

Visit https://www.goodwinhealthcafe.com or come see us at:

Goodwin Health Café5625 N. Wall St. Suite 100Spokane, WA 99205

We’re here to help you feel better—and that starts with knowing your options.